Daniel Sturridge makes Cristiano Ronaldo comparison in heated Mohamed Salah debate

Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has compared Mohamed Salah to Cristiano Ronaldo following the Egyptian's public contract frustration.

Salah is out of contract in the summer, and claims to have not been offered a new deal by the Reds. Following their win over Southampton the week before last, the Liverpool star, who scored a brace against the Saints, told reporters he was disappointed no offer had been made.

Last weekend on Sunday, Salah was once again Liverpool's match winner, netting a second half penalty, and providing a sublime assist for Cody Gakpo as the Reds beat Manchester City 2-0 to move 11 points clear of Pep Guardiola's side in the Premier League.

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Naturally, his impressive performance prompted discussion from Sky Sports' punditry panel, which consisted of Sturridge, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards, Roy Keane and Dave Jones - with the former comparing Salah's recent remarks about his frustration to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Sturridge said: "Each player goes about it in a different way. Virgil and Trent haven't really spoken about it but Mo is a different player and a different personality. He has gone about it in a way, which he feels will get him what he wants. I don't agree with it. Players who have individual mindsets go about things in their own way.

"Cristiano Ronaldo was questioned at times and he was doing interviews and going about things in ways people didn't agree with. For certain players, when they are at the top and they are one of the greatest and things don't go their way, they approach it like 'do you know who I am?'

"He is so sure of himself. He doesn't doubt himself one bit. 'If you don't want to pay me, that is ok - I will go to one of the other best teams in the world'. I think it is about respect."

However, Carragher, who has been critical of how Salah has conducted himself publically, countered: "I agree that Mo Salah sees himself as that type of player and rightly so. But so does Virgil van Dijk. All I am asking is for Salah to not come out after every time he scores and talk about his contract. Van Dijk is in the exact same position and has handled it brilliantly. The club is always more important than the individual."

Liverpool.com says: "It's tough because you can see where both Sturridge and Carragher are coming from. On one hand, Sturridge is right, all players are different and with Salah currently in red hot form, he has every right to publicly state his frustration at not being offered a new deal when he believes he deserves one - and wants to stay at Anfield.

"On the other hand, you can completely understand where Carragher is coming from too. Salah's comments after Southampton were calculated, evidenced by the fact he rarely speaks to reporters, so in doing so, he knew it would spark debate. Ultimately, his post-Southampton remarks did not look to distract Liverpool, who after beating the Saints went on to beat Real Madrid and Man City comfortably."